Building the Perfect Survival Fishing Kit
1. Tenkara Fly Rod - Simplest Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a very simple and effective way to fish for just about every fish species. The hardest part is learning the cast. Tenkara rods take that out of the equation. Instead of a reel, spooled with fly line, you have a length of line equal to the length of the rod, connected at the tip of the rod. This is the perfect setup for catching fish along a stream, or pond. In the kit, you get the rod, line tippet material and select flies. You also get the tube that the whole rod breaks down into. This is fly fishing in its simplest form. Getting the rod set up and ready to fish takes just a couple of minutes. We have one of these rods and love its simplicity and how fun it is.
2. Ugly Stik fishing combo - Toughest Rod & Reel
You can’t go wrong with a spinning rod and reel combo. It is an easy reel to master and Ugly Stik rods have attained legendary status as being nearly unbreakable. The reel is a simple, rugged 3 bearing unit with a 5.1:1 gear ratio, for a decent, steady retrieve. The rod breaks down for easy transport, so you can have it in the back of the truck, SUV or car, and get on some fish wherever you happen to be.
3. Plano Connectable Satchel Stowaway - Simple Tackle Storage
You’re going to need some basic fishing tackle, and you’ll need a way to carry it. Plano’s Stowaway boxes are a great way to store tackle. The Satchel models have a handle for carrying ease, and the best part – You can stash one under the seat in your truck. You can configure the internal storage to fit your needs, and if you have two, they can be connected for easy carrying.
4. Gamakatsu Hooks - Best Hooks
While they’re not the cheapest hooks out there, they may be the best option for putting fish on the table. We’ve fished with these hooks for every fish species from panfish to salmon. They are ridiculously sharp, hold their point and the barbs keep the fish on the hook better than anything we’ve used. When you want fish for food, there is no better option.
5. Thill Bobbers - See the Bite
We like balsa wood floats for fishing. When it comes to balsa floats, the name to know is Thill. They have the widest assortment of floats going and they all work great. For survival situations, we recommend the spring attachment style versus the bobber-stop style. They’re easier to use.
6. Berkley Gulp! - Editor's Pick
You may not always have live bait available for fishing, and sometimes lures don’t work. Berkley Gulp! Bait often works as good or better than live bait. It has tons of scent in it and fish go crazy for it. The bait is edible and biodegradable, so you’re not using anything toxic. It comes in several types that mimics live baits. Have some in your tackle box.
7. Leatherman Tool - Every Tool In One
You are going to need a knife and some pliers, plus you’ll undoubtedly find some other tools you need. You might as well get a Leatherman Tool. Leatherman Tools are simply handy tools to have on hand and they are the perfect addition to your fishing kit.
What is the bare minimum needed to catch fish?
Fishing doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In fact, in a survival situation, you can get by with a hook, line and something for bait. That’s where the Gulp! products come in. This stuff has deeply impregnated scent and is 100% biodegradable. Fish can and will eat it, and it causes no harm. Plus, it lasts a long time in storage, so you can keep some handy for those times when you need to catch some dinner.
Where can I find fish to catch?
Virtually every natural body of water holds fish of some kind. Panfish are the easiest to catch and most lakes and ponds hold some species and population. Rivers and creeks can have panfish, too, but trout, catfish and carp are more prevalent. Your best bet is to try. Yep, try it. See what happens. If it is a matter of not eating, try to catch a fish wherever you can.
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